7 Habits of Highly Successful Entrepreneurs

Successful entrepreneurs often follow similar work practices and develop common habits that help lead them to success. Although creating and running your own small business has a steep learning curve, you can shorten that curve as you endeavor toward success.

No matter what type of business you're in, you still have business operations to tend to, people to deal with, a brand to build and a reputation to maintain. Incorporate these smart habits into your day-to-day work to streamline your business, help build your reputation and customer base and make it easier to avoid common mistakes:

1. Set achievable goals

It's important to have long-term goals to work toward, but your short-term goals will help build the foundation that supports business growth. Enthusiasm often leads entrepreneurs to become overzealous and set goals that are hard to accomplish.

Start out with small goals you can achieve in a day or less and continue to expand from there.

2. Measure your progress

Keep track of short-term and long-term goals. Check your progress weekly or monthly to ensure that you're on track. One way to know if you're progressing at an appropriate rate is to research similar businesses to see how they evolved.

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A business mentor in the same field can also help you determine whether or not you're moving along at a rate that promotes growth without becoming overwhelming.

3. Know your strengths and weaknesses

As much as we'd all like to be experts at everything, some areas are better off in the hands of someone with experience. Be honest about your business strengths and weaknesses, and don't be afraid to ask for help when your business is better served by doing so.

4. Set a schedule and plan your day

Entrepreneurs can find themselves being pulled in many different directions. It's important to have a schedule to guide each day. Take time at the beginning of each week to plan a week-long schedule that includes appointments, tasks to be completed and any communication that needs to be made.

Be flexible enough to make changes, if necessary, and use your schedule to help avoid time wasters that prevent you from getting work done.

5. Network with other entrepreneurs

One of the least expensive and most effective learning opportunities to help grow your business is networking with other entrepreneurs. Whether the people you meet are novices or experts, the "two heads are better than one" line of thinking can help you find a solution to problems or learn something new that will enhance your business practices.

6. Continue learning

Many entrepreneurs have gained their knowledge and experience through hands-on learning. In addition to continuing to learn in this manner, it can be beneficial to take classes or attend workshops and exhibitions pertaining to your business. Knowledge you can put to use in your business will always pay for itself in the long run.

7. Acquire and manage talent

The day will come when you can no longer run your business as a one-person show. When this day arrives, it's essential to hire people who share your vision and feel enthusiastic about helping you achieve your goals. Seek talented people whose experience and knowledge complements yours.

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The habits and practices you bring to your new business can either help you achieve success or cause you to struggle needlessly. To avoid struggling or failing, incorporate these seven tips from the get-go. Although it might be tempting to cut corners to save money or time, you can gain efficiency through smart business habits.

Plan accordingly so you can set achievable goals and measure your progress along the way. As your small business grows, bringing others aboard—whether through networking or the hiring of employees—can help you continue to grow and succeed.

Lucy Harper works for Touchpoint Digital, a full-service digital advertising agency that specializes in offering digital marketing services, PPC and social media campaigns.